Multipurpose hauling device

ABSTRACT

A game dragging device is provided which includes a first, handle member and a first game grabbing member. The handle member has a pair of leg members and a first hole proximate the distal end of one of its legs. It also has at least a second hole which is located substantially at the mid point of the leg. A first, hook member, is provided which has a barb-like member at one end and a hole proximate its other end. A first rotation member rotatably secures the handle member to the hook member to form a first unit. A second unit is provided which is essentially identical to the first unit. The first and second units are rotatably secured to each other such that the first unit being positioned so as to be reversed relative to second unit. The handle member and the first hook member are secured to each other to form a unit which is essentially in the form of an S-shaped member.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/574,309 filed on Aug.28, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,843.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is related to a device which has a plurality of uses,including carrying or dragging objects, such as game, logs, or the like,and hanging game from a tree branch.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Hunting is popular is rural areas where game reside, not only for sportbut for food. Heretofore, the hunting "industry" has provided hunterswith many articles to make their hunting time more successful andcomfortable. One problem which has not yet been solved is the removal ofthe carcass from the woods; it is obviously difficult for one or two mento move a large deer, elk or moose over rough terrain. Most huntinganimals reside in protective areas, woods, rocks or mountains. Severaldevices have been patented which attempt to overcome the difficulties ofterrain, weight and distance while staying simple, economical, compactand effective, however, none have been totally successful. The instantdisclosure overcomes the above difficulties with an easy to use,economical device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In U. S. Pat. No. 4,243,164, Burlison et al discloses a game draggingdevice which has a rigid hand bar with a pair of adjustable, spacedclamp loops. The loops are secured to the front feet of the animal and athird loop is secured to the animal's head to keep the head clear of theground. A longer, two man version is also disclosed. However, the deviceemploys a rigid bar and thus cannot accommodate use by persons ofdifferent heights or use on uneven terrain. Further, the Burlison et aldevice has several parts which have the potential of becoming lost inthe woods a well as being a cumbersome and time consuming unit to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A game dragging device is provided which includes a first, handle memberand a first game grabbing member. The handle member has a pair of legmembers and a first hole proximate the distal end of one of its legs. Italso has at least a second hole which is located substantially at themid point of the leg. A first, hook member, is provided which has abarb-like member at one end and a hole proximate its other end. A firstrotation means rotatably secures the handle member to the hook member toform a first unit. A second unit is provided which is essentiallyidentical to the first unit. The first and second units are rotatablysecured to each other such that the first unit being positioned so as tobe reversed relative to said second unit. The handle member and thefirst hook member are secured to each other to form a unit which isessentially in the form of an S-shaped member.

In the preferred embodiment, the handle member is rotatably secured tothe hook member such that when the two units are rotatably securedtogether, a barb-like member of the first hook member is position awayfrom the barb-like member of the second hook member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the instant invention will become apparentwhen the specification is read in conjunction with the drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the front half unit of an embodiment of theinstant disclosure, with the unit shown in unassembled form;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the front half unit of FIG. 1, showing theunit in assembled form;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembled embodiment of FIG. 2, incombination with a second unit which is a duplicate of the first unitand in a reverse overlap position to form a complete device;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the handle section of the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of another embodiment of the instant invention,shown with its two unit in a slightly overlapped position;

FIG. 6 is an side view of the device of FIG. 5, shown in a completelyclosed position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of one half of the unit of FIG. 2, shown assembledto form an alternate embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the assembled alternate embodiment of FIG. 7,shown in use to carry an object;

FIG. 9 is a side view of one half of the unit of FIG. 3, shown assembledin a varied overlapped position to form an alternate embodiment of theinstant invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the assembled alternate embodiment shownassembled and ready for use to carry or drag an object;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a fragmented front view of a alternate embodiment in a openposition; and

FIG. 13 is a side view of one half of the embodiment in FIG. 12, in aclosed position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates the front half of the four piece multipurpose haulingdevice shown in its unassembled state. The top frame 12 and bottom frame14 are manufactured from any strong, light weight material, such asaluminum or any number of materials in the plastic family. A combinationof aluminum dipped into plastic can also be utilized, however whateverthe material, the strength and weight criteria must be met. Graphitereinforced plastics provide weight advantages, but typically are veryexpensive.

The bolt holes 16 and 18 are used to connect the top frame 12 and thebottom frame 14 through use of standard bolts, rivets or screws. Theoptimum size for the hole would be 1/4 inch, however, the size could beincreased or decreased slightly, although not to the extend where itwould affect the structural integrity of the item. The bolt strengthmust be sufficient to accommodate the weight load of hauling largeanimals, with a minimum haul weight of 300 pounds. The bolt holes 16 and18 are drilled or punched into the ends of the top frame 12 and bottomframe 14 at a centered position proximate the ends of the top frame 12and bottom frame 14. Any convenient means can be used for the securingdevice of the top frame 12 to the bottom frame 14. Rivets have theadvantage of durability while screws and bolt have a tendency to workloose. Further, rivets can provide reliable spacing and can provide abalance between permitting top frame 12 and bottom frame 14 to moverelative to one another without permitting excessive play.

Bolt holes 22, 23 and 25 are predrilled at specified positions to allowthe front frame 40 to be secured to its mirror image counterpart. Theadvantages achieved by these alternate positions are described furtherherein.

For use within this disclosure, reference will be made to use of a boltsecuring the two items together, but it should be understood that theterm is not intended to exclude other means of securing the elements.Although the securing device is not narrowly critical, the criteriawhich must be met by the securing device is critical. The diameter ofthe securing device must be sized slightly smaller than the diameter ofthe bolt holes 16 and 18 to allow for easy closure of the device whilepreventing side to side movement. Such side to side movement, that is,the relative twisting of top frame 12 and bottom frame 14, can interferewith the free movement of the two parts and can contribute to thefailure of the bolt which holds the two parts together.

The optimum sizing for all embodiments is provided hereinafter, andshould be considered examples and should not, in any way, limit thescope of the invention. The preferred total width E of the top frame 12is approximately 6 inches and the height F approximately 6 inches. Thesedistances, as well as others indicated herein, are indications ofpreferred dimensions and should only be considered as indications of theproportions and sizing. The distance A between the two legs of the topframe 12 must be less than the distance B, which is the distance fromthe base of the bottom frame 14 to the base 15 of the leg of the bottomframe 14. If the distance B is less than the distance A, when the bottomframe 14 is swung around up and into the folding position it will beunable to completely close due to the handle 20. The distance B must beat least equal to distance A plus the height of the handle 20 but not sogreat as to compromise the strength and rigidity of the material ofmanufacture.

A plurality of holes can be provided to enable the user to select aconfiguration best suited to the circumstances which have beenencountered.

The handle 20 is affixed to the top portion of the frame 12 through useof rivets 24 and 26. Rivets provide an easy means of attachment, howeverother methods could be used depending upon the materials used and easeof manufacture.

The gripping angle 28 has, in the preferred embodiment, rounded ends forhunter safety. A knife can be used to cut the skin behind the leg of theanimal to insert the gripping angle 28. The leg 17, between the grippingangle 28 and the base 15, is, in its preferred embodiment, approximatelyone and one half inches to two inches. Although the leg 17 can vary inlength from the preferred measurements, this length is the optimum toensure that the animal being dragged does not fall off.

The exact dimensions of the carrying unit are not critical, however, theproportions of the element are critical for the multipurpose haulingdevice to be effective. The preferred total width D, the outsidedimension of the base of the bottom frame 14 is approximately 6 inchesand the height C, of the leg of the bottom frame 14 approximately 5inches.

The distance from the pivot hole 16 to the base 15 of the bottom frame14 should be greater than the distance from the pivot hole 18 of the topframe 12, to achieve a compact closing of the device when the top frame12 is provide with handle unit, such as the semicircular handleillustrated in FIG. 4. The longer dimensions on the bottom frame 14allows the base 15 to swing above the handle 20, as illustrated in FIG.11. In those instance where no raised handle is provided, it ispreferable for the base portion 15, of the bottom frame 14 to overly thehandle region of the top frame member 12, when the device is in theclosed position. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, when the dimension Cof the bottom frame is equal to the dimension F of the top frame, theunit can be closed to form a simple compact unit.

The assembled front half of the multipurpose hauling device 40 is shownin FIG. 2. The top frame 12 has been secured to the bottom frame 14through use of bolt 42. It should be noted that in order for thecarrying unit 40 to close, as illustrated in FIG. 11 herein, the bottomframe 14 must be placed on the outside of the top frame 12. If thepositions are reversed, the multipurpose hauling device will be unableto close as the bottom frame 14 would have to fit between the front halfof the device and back half of the device.

When used by two people, the front half of the multipurpose haulingdevice 40 can be used to secure one leg of the animal while the mirrorimage back half of the carrying unit can secure the other leg. Thisprovides an advantage over standard units in that two people ofsubstantially different heights can both drag an animal comfortablysince the units are totally separate in this embodiment. The shorter ofthe two people can walk one or more paces ahead of the taller person,thereby evening out the weight load. When the multipurpose haulingdevice is used by a person, or persons, of approximately six foot,approximately 40% of the animal's weight is off the ground due to thedrag angle, thereby greatly reducing the degree of drag resistance.

The front half and the back half of the multipurpose hauling device aremirror images to one another. In FIG. 3 the front frame 40 of thecarrier unit 50 has been secured to its mirror image counterpart to formcarrier unit 50. The two units are secured by aligning the bolt hole 22of assembled front half 40 with the counterpart bolt hole of theassembled back half of the device and placing a post and screw throughto secure the two devices. Post and screw fixtures are common in theprior art and are available from Stimpson of Bayport, N.Y. Althoughother means can be used to secure the device, such as a wing nut orbolt, the post and screw are the preferred securing means. The post andscrew provide an economical means for securing with a predictable headsize. The consistency in the head size assures easy fit into a carryingcase and smooth edges. The predetermined, unalterable shaft size alsoprevents the possibility of the user tightening the securing means toomuch to prevent easy closing or too little and having the securingdevice fall out. The user tightens the post and screw as tightly aspossible without worry of the front half and back half of the devicebinding together.

The handle 20 of the top frame 12 can be a semicircular plastic elementmolded to conform to one side of the top frame 12, as illustrated inFIG. 4. The two handle elements 20, in combination, allow for ease ofgrip while still allowing the assembled front frame and assembled backframe to be flush with each other. The handle 20 can be manufacturedfrom any material, in any color, suitable for carrying handles, althoughfluorescent orange or red plastic or rubber handles are preferred. Thefluorescent colors provide an additional measure of safety as well asallowing the device to be easily located if dropped. Plastic and rubberhave long been used as handles for various items due to their durabilityand ease of manufacture. The handle 20 can be secured to the top frame12 in any manner convenient for manufacture, such as through use ofscrews 24 and 26 or rivets. A smooth outer surface is preferred to avoida rough surface from coming in contact with the users skin. A flat innersurface is required in order for the top frame 12 and its mirrorcounterpart to lie flush against one another. The handle 20 shown inFIG. 4 is an example of the possible configuration, however one or moregrooves can be added to the handle for comfort and to prevent roll over.Although the handle is optional, especially when used by one person, itdoes provide comfort for the user, especially when used with two people.

It should be noted that the position of the bolt hole 22 in the leg 13of U-shaped top frame 12 controls the relative positioning of the finalassembly. Generally, the hole is centrally positioned in the leg 13 ofthe top frame member 12 providing the configuration of FIG. 3.Alternatively, the front half and back half can be connected at hole 25,thereby offset in the direction of the distal end of the leg 13, thatis, offset towards the hole 18. This modification serves to produce aunit in which the hand grip region is enlarged, as illustrated in FIG.5, thus accommodating two hands. This arrangement also serves todecrease the spacing between the two J-hook shaped bottom frames 14.

In FIG. 6 and FIG. 11, the game dragging device 110, is shown in thefolded position. The criticality of the distance B and the distance Aproportions becomes readily apparently when viewing FIG. 11. The bottomframe 114 is pivoted at the bolt 144, bringing the bottom frame 114 torest along side the top frame 140. The compactness of the width of theunit is illustrated in FIG. 6. In order for the bottom frames 112 and112a to swing easily around the top frames 114 and 114a, spacers 116 and116a have been added. The spacers prevent the metal from binding andallow room for the post and screw 118. The carrying unit 110, in thisposition, is quite portable and easy to store in a backpack, etc. Theunit can be readily accommodated in a simple, shallow carrying case andthus is highly suited for use by hunters.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the instant disclosure.The bottom frame 102 of the front half of the carrying unit 100 isreversed, in relation to top frame 108, from that of the priorembodiment. The carrying unit 100 forms a "S" shape which, when combinedwith the mirror image bottom half forms the carrying unit 110 asillustrated in FIG. 8. The bolt 106 can be left loose initially to allowthe carrying unit 110 to be used with a scissors action to grab an item,such as a log 180. The carrying unit can then be returned to theposition as illustrated in FIG. 8 and the bolt 106 tightened.

Alternatively to the foregoing, the device can be secured at holes 22which are offset toward the base of the U. This provides an embodimentin which the distance between the base portions of the two overlying topframe members is decreased and the distance between the two J hookshaped bottom frame members is increased. In this latter embodiment, asillustrated in FIG. 9, two separate hand grip regions are provided andthe J hook shaped members are widely spaced apart. This embodiment isparticularly suited to accommodate simultaneous use by two people. Ifdesired, a single or pair of securing devices can be provided in thehandle region of the top frame members, to prevent movement of one topframe member relative to the other top frame member. If a single bolt 94is used, it should be centered. If a pair of bolts 92 and 92a are used,there should be a one inch spacing between the safety stud 90 and thebolt 96. Movement of the J-hook members is desirable because it servesto minimize the size differences and allows for an easing of a jarcreated by the animal being pulled over obstacles.

The device 110 as illustrated in FIG. 10, is essentially the functionalequivalent of the device 50, as illustrated in FIG. 3, except for thefact that it can be compacted closed, even when provided with a raisedhandle 20.

In FIG. 12 an alternate embodiment of the multipurpose hauling device isillustrated wherein the device has more of a "S" curve configuration.Stop studs 224 and 222 are placed in each side of the top frames 226 and228 to prevent the top frames 226 and 228 from rotating, therebysqueezing the user's hand. The top frames 226 and 228 rotate only to thepoint of contact with the stop studs 226 and 228. The bottom frame 160is dimensioned to rotate in the direction of arrow 170, as shown in FIG.13, to lodge parallel with and beneath the handle 162. In order to openthe multipurpose hauling device 230, the bottom frame 160 is swung inthe direction of arrow 180.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multipurpose hauling device comprising:(a) apair of essentially U-shaped members, each of said U-shaped membershaving: a first leg, said first leg having:a first hole proximate thedistal end of said first lega second hole substantially at the mid pointof said first leg, a third hole proximate the angle formed by said firstleg and the second leg, a flange, said flange being proximate saiddistal end of and at right angles to said first leg, said flange furthercomprising a fourth hole, a second leg, said second leg being atapproximately right angles to said first leg, and a base, said basebeing substantially parallel to said first leg and forming a handleportion, (b) a pair of essentially J-shaped members, each of saidJ-shaped members having a barb-like member at a first end and a holeproximate the second end, (c) a pair of first rotation means, each ofsaid first rotation means rotatably securing said hole in each of saidJ-shaped members to said fourth hole in each of said flange of saidU-shaped members, thereby forming a first unit and a second unit, (d)third rotation means, said third rotation means rotatably securing saidfirst unit to said second unit at one of said first, second or thirdholes,wherein said first unit is secured to said second unit to form amirror image relative to said second unit, with said pair of bases beingadjacent one another to form a closed loop handle and said pair ofJ-shaped members being free to rotate independently of any movement ofsaid closed loop handle.
 2. The multipurpose hauling device of claim 1wherein each of said pair of J-shaped members are attached to each ofsaid U-shaped members in a manner to place said barb-like membersopposite one another and extending beyond said first rotation means. 3.The device of claim 1, wherein each of said pair of bases includes astop member, said stop member being positioned on said closed loophandle to limit rotation of one handle portion relative to the otherhandle portion, thereby preventing said first handle portion fromrotating toward said second handle portion beyond said stop member andpreventing the user's hand from being clamped between said first andsecond handle portions.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein said stoplimiting means is a stud mounted on each handle portion, said studprotruding into the rotational path of the opposing handle portion. 5.The multipurpose hauling device of claim 1 wherein each of said pair ofJ-shaped members are attached to each of said U-shaped members in amanner to place said barb-like members facing one another, essentiallyforming a pair of S-shaped units.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein saidJ-shaped members are rotatable to a position in which said barb-likemembers move independent said pair of U-shaped members to form asubstantially closed loop.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said firstJ-shaped member is rotated to a position in which said J-shaped memberis adjacent to and overlies said first U-shaped member and said secondJ-shaped member is rotated to a position in which said J-shaped memberis adjacent to and overlies said second U-shaped member, thereby forminga closed substantially oblong device.